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How will You bring in the New Year...and change in 2009?

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 3:26 pm
by mwpm
I'll bring in the New Year with my husband and my three wild kids...
I'll change my weight need to loose some weight... maybe I should put that in the wish column like Peace on Earth

No, what I really like to try is post some of my stories, I'm just to scared too... maybe I'll find the gust like I did to sign up here

the funny thing is I always make a list HOWEVER I never follow through way is that? does that happen to you?

Re: How will You bring in the New Year...and change in 2009?

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 4:12 pm
by Alelou
That happens to everybody. That's assuming they even bother to make a list...

My goal, as usual, is to be more organized and stop wasting so much time on the computer. As you can see, I'm already making a great start! Bwa ha ha ha ha.

But ... to get the courage to post, it helps to start with a beta (or editor), something every writer can benefit from. There's a thread in the fanfic section called "Need a beta? Start here." viewtopic.php?f=1&t=72
It helps you gain a beta if you can specify the length and give a general idea of the plot so people will have an idea what they're getting into and whether it's a story they would naturally find interesting.

The other option is to pick a favorite writer and ask. When I first started posting X-Files fanfic a hundred years ago, I had already had a long correspondence of reviews and discussion with one of my favorite authors, so it was more like asking a friend than a stranger. Still, it was fairly terrifying. (She's still a really good friend, but not a Star Trek fan, unfortunately.)

Generally speaking, you may find people more receptive to helping you out in this way if you take the time to leave thoughtful reviews for their work or at least some people's work. Feedback is all anybody here gets for their efforts and is greatly treasured by every author. I think a lot of people don't really 'get' this until they start posting their own work (and some people never get it). Do let people know if you're feeling scared and only want to hear positive notes, though. Some authors value criticism, but for others it makes them want to crawl into a corner and never come out again, especially early in their fanfic careers.

Good luck and happy writing!

Re: How will You bring in the New Year...and change in 2009?

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 10:02 pm
by panyasan
mwpm wrote: No, what I really like to try is post some of my stories, I'm just to scared too... maybe I'll find the gust like I did to sign up here

Let's make a deal, you post one of your stories, I read and enjoy it. :D I really like people trying their writing skills.

Re: How will You bring in the New Year...and change in 2009?

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 10:13 pm
by Aquarius
Absolutely! And seriously, there's no reason to be shy around this group. Your readers will be understanding and supportive, and if you have the help of a beta reader, the kinks should be mostly ironed out before you post any way. :D

As for me, I don't make New Year's resolutions...because I never keep them. I tend to make life changes in the spring and summer time, because I have more energy then and I'm more motivated. The changing of the seasons bring me more of a sense of renewal than the flip of a calendar page, I'm afraid. :?

Re: How will You bring in the New Year...and change in 2009?

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 10:32 pm
by Asso
panyasan wrote:
mwpm wrote: No, what I really like to try is post some of my stories, I'm just to scared too... maybe I'll find the gust like I did to sign up here

Let's make a deal, you post one of your stories, I read and enjoy it. :D I really like people trying their writing skills.

We eagerly wait! :D

Re: How will You bring in the New Year...and change in 2009?

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 10:37 pm
by Kevin Thomas Riley
I only have one New Year's resolution, and I'm just about to break it.

My New Year's resolution is that I won't make any New Year's resolutions! :razz: